Integrating epidemiology and crime data to develop new HIV testing strategy

Topic Since 1998, Oakland, Alameda County has remained in An HIV/AIDS state of emergency. Oakland is ranked is 3rd in the nation for violent crime. Oakland has taken measures to prevent violence which includes increased patrols and street sweeps. We will describe how to use a new strategy that builds community and addresses the HIV epidemic. Issues Violent crime has risen 43% in the last two years and the murder rate jumped 22% which exceeds the national violent crime rate. These areas overlap with local HIV and STD epidemics. We provide mobile HIV testing in high crime communities including shooting galleries, crack houses, prostitution strolls and drug gang turf. These communities were once visible during outreach activities but now are retreating. Strategies Grill Outs are designed to bring people out of their homes to be tested and build community among the neighbors. Grill Outs" are a small underground grassroots social network testing intervention. It is a festive event with barbeque, street outreach, and impromptu HIV education groups. They take place on street corners in high crime police beats. This innovative model reached 250 people during six Grill Outs with both HIV testing and prevention services with a seropositivity of rate2.9%. Recommendations Integrated crime data and epidemiology data was used to develop a strategy to target highly impacted populations. The Grill Out model addresses safety and violence by creating a safe environment for people to test for HIV and engage health educators in a grassroots, culturally appropriate and relaxed environment.